Portable computer stand for enhanced cooling

ABSTRACT

A stand for a portable personal computer including a base including a front side, a back side, a right side, a left side, and a bottom surface. The stand includes at least one stand member interconnectable with the base. The at least one stand member is positionable in a deployed position and a stowed position. In the deployed position the at least one stand member supports at least one portion of the bottom surface of the base at an elevated level with respect to a surface that the portable personal computer is supported by. The at least one stand member engages a surface of the base in the stowed position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This present invention relates to a stand for portable personalcomputers that enhances the cooling capacity of the computers, portablepersonal computers that include the stand, and methods for thermalmanagement in portable personal computers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Since their conception and design, portable personal computers, as withall computers, have faced the issue of thermal management as a result ofheat generated by the processor and other components of the computer. Asis well known, excessive heat can degrade performance of computers andresult in damage to components of computers. As a result, thermalmanagement is often an important consideration in computer design.

In the last few years, thermal dissipation requirements of portablecomputers have increased. For example typical portable computersgenerate heat that must be dissipated in the range of from about 10watts to about 20 watts and beyond. This is at least in part a result ofever increasing CPU performance. For example, see Yu, THE FUTURE OFMICROPROCESSORS, IEEE Micro, December 1996, pp. 46-53, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Additional heatis also generated by increasing functions performed by portable personalcomputers, such as digital video disk (DVD), modem, audio, video, amongother devices, now often included in portable personal computers. It isexpected that future portable personal computers will provide evengreater processing performance and functions, thereby continuing thetrend of increasing heat dissipation.

For example, with an A4 form factor, i.e., with a 297 mm by 210 mmfootprint, the cooling limit for a PC without fan is from about 15 toabout 20 watts. Providing more cooling than these limits can not only bea competitive advantage, but also a product differentiation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention enhances the performance of a portable personalcomputer by allowing it to operate in two different states, one whereheat dissipation is higher than the other. The higher heat dissipationstate is made possible by providing a stand that nests into the base orbottom cover of the computer. When the stand is in a deployed position,it permits greater heat dissipation from the computer by allowingambient air to circulate under and behind the computer.

Accordingly, aspects of the present invention provide a stand for aportable personal computer including a base including a front side, aback side, a right side, a left side, and a bottom surface. The standincludes at least one stand member interconnectable with the base. Theat least one stand member is positionable in a deployed position and astowed position. In the deployed position, the at least one stand membersupports at least one portion of the bottom surface of the base at anelevated level with respect to a surface that the portable personalcomputer is supported by. The at least one stand member engages asurface of the base in the stowed position.

Aspects of the present invention also provide a portable personalcomputer including a base including a bottom surface, a back side, afront side, a left side, a right side, and a bottom surface. A displayis hingedly interconnected with the base. At least one stand member isinterconnectable with the base. The at least one stand member ispositionable in a deployed position and a stowed position. In thedeployed position, the at least one stand member supports at least oneportion of the bottom surface of the base at an elevated level withrespect to a surface that the portable personal computer is supportedby. The at least one stand member engages a surface of the base in thestowed position.

Additionally, aspects of the present invention provide a method forthermal management in a portable personal computer including a baseincluding a front side, a back side, a right side, a left side, and abottom surface, and at least one stand member interconnectable with thebase. The at least one stand member is positionable in a deployedposition and a stowed position. In the deployed position, the at leastone stand member supports at least one portion of the bottom surface ofthe base at an elevated level with respect to a surface that theportable personal computer is supported by. In the stowed position, theat least one stand member engages a surface of the base or is retractedwithin the computer. The method includes detecting whether the at leastone stand member is in the deployed or stowed position or a temperatureof the computer. Selected devices in the computer are activated suchthat the heat output by the activated devices does not exceed thecooling capacity of the computer or a predetermined heat output.

Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomereadily apparent by those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, wherein it is shown and described only the preferredembodiments of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the bestmode contemplated of carrying out the invention. As will be realized,the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and itsseveral details are capable of modifications in various obviousrespects, without departing from the invention. Accordingly, thedrawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in natureand not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned objects and advantages of the present invention willbe more clearly understood when considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 represents a top front perspective view of an embodiment of aportable personal computer including a stand according to the presentinvention with its display panel in a closed position and with the standin a stowed position;

FIG. 2 represents a top front perspective view of the embodiment of aportable personal computer shown in FIG. 1 with the display panel in anopen position and with the stand in a deployed position;

FIG. 3 represents a top rear perspective view of the embodiment of aportable personal computer shown in FIG. 1 with the display panel in anopen position and with the stand in a deployed position;

FIG. 4 represents a top rear perspective view of another embodiment of aportable personal computer with the display panel in an open positionand with the stand in a deployed position;

FIG. 5 represents a bottom front perspective view of the embodiment ofthe portable personal computer shown in FIG. 1 including two sensors todetect whether the stand is in a stowed or deployed position;

FIG. 6 represents a top front perspective view of the embodiment of aportable personal computer shown in FIG. 1 with the display panel andelements that normally reside in the base of the computer such as thekeyboard, processor, and disk drive, removed with the stand removed fromthe base of the computer;

FIG. 7 represents a bottom front perspective view of the embodimentshown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 with the stand detached from the base of thecomputer and illustrating the spatial relationship between the stand andbase of the computer as the stand is moved between a stowed position anda deployed position;

FIG. 8 represents a bottom rear perspective view of a further embodimentof a portable personal computer including a stand according to thepresent invention with its display panel in a closed position and withthe stand in a stowed position;

FIG. 9 represents a top front perspective view of the embodiment of aportable personal computer shown in FIG. 8 with the display panel in anopen position and with the stand in a deployed position;

FIG. 10 represents a top front perspective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention that may be utilized with existing portable personalcomputers with its display panel in a closed position and with the standin a stowed position;

FIG. 11 represents a top front perspective view of the embodiment shownin FIG. 10 with the stand detached from the base of the computer andillustrating the spatial relationship between the stand and base of thecomputer as the stand is moved into the stowed position; and

FIG. 12 represents a top front perspective view of the embodiment of aportable personal computer shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 with the displaypanel in an open position and with the stand in a deployed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THEINVENTION

Heat dissipation for portable personal computers, also known as "laptopcomputers", can be enhanced by exposing a greater surface area of thecomputer to ambient air. One surface on a portable personal computerthat often is not exposed to the ambient air is the bottom of the baseof the computer. It has been shown that raising the back end of the baseof a portable personal computer above a surface, such as a table, desk,or user's lap, the computer sits on permits natural convection to takeplace on the bottom surface. This enhances cooling capability of thecomputer.

One surface on a portable personal computer that often is not exposed tothe ambient air is the bottom surface of the base of the portablepersonal computer. Through the present invention, it has been shown thatraising the back end of the bottom surface of the base of a portablepersonal computer above a surface supporting the computer will allownatural convection to take place on the bottom surface of the computerbase and thus enhance cooling capability.

For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention,raising the back end of a portable personal computer by from about 15 mmto about 20 mm increases heat dissipation just under about two watts.According to another embodiment, a rise of the back bottom end of thecomputer by about 30 mm increases heat dissipation by almost about threewatts. Since not raising the back typically permits approximately fivewatts of heat to be dissipated from a portable personal computer, thepresent invention can increase natural convection cooling on the orderof from about 35% to about 50%. In other cases the cooling may begreater.

Of course, the amount of heat dissipated from a portable personalcomputer may vary, depending upon the design of the computer, thematerials utilized in making the computer components, such as the base,the thickness of the base, allowable temperature rise above ambient, theuniformity of outside surface temperature, and other factors. However,once aware of the contents of the disclosure herein, without undueexperimentation, one skilled in the art could determine the amount ofcooling desired and a corresponding level that the back bottom end ofthe base of the computer must be raised to result in the desired degreeof cooling.

The present invention provides a stand that can raise at least a portionof a bottom surface of the base of a portable personal computer off of asurface that supports the computer. The present invention may provide astand for supporting a portable personal computer without substantiallyincreasing the size, complexity and/or weight of the computer. Deployingthe stand of the invention raises at least a portion the bottom of aportable personal computer, thus allowing ambient air to convectadditional heat away from the computer's bottom surface. Dissipatingheat may prevent damage to components of the computer and/or degradationof the components' performance. Additionally, increased heat dissipationcharacteristics may permit higher performance processors and/or othercomponents to be included in a portable personal computer and additionalcomponents, such as additional drives, to be included in the computer.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a portablepersonal computer 10 according to the present invention. The portablepersonal computer typically includes a display panel 12 and a base orbottom cover 16. The portable personal computer shown in FIG. 1 is shownwith its display panel 12 in a closed position.

FIG. 2 illustrates the computer with its display panel 12 in an openposition. The exact position of the display panel 12 in an open positionmay vary, depending upon the position that the operator determines isbest for viewing the display panel.

As shown in FIG. 2, the base 16 of the portable personal computertypically houses, among other things, the central processing unit (notshown), memory (not shown), a keyboard 2, pointing device 4, clickingdevice 6, modems (not shown), speakers (not shown), and drives (notshown), such as hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, cd-rom drive,digital video disk drive. Of course, different portable personalcomputers have different configurations. Also, the different portablepersonal computers may have appearances that differ from the computershown in FIG. 2.

The portable personal computer shown in FIG. 1 also includes anembodiment of a removable stand 14 according to the present invention.The stand shown in FIG. 1 is in a stowed position. In the stowedposition, the stand may be nested into the bottom cover 16 of portablepersonal computer 10. As discussed below in greater detail, the bottomcover may include at least one depression for receiving and/or engagingat least a portion of the stand.

The embodiment of the stand of the present invention shown in FIG. 1includes a single stand member 14. Other embodiments of the stand mayinclude more that one stand member. One such example is discussed belowin greater detail. The stand member shown in FIG. 1 includes arectangular-shaped frame member having substantially the same shape asthe base 16 of the computer 10.

The at least one stand member includes a bottom surface. As shown inFIG. 1, the bottom surface of the stand member may include at least oneslot 26A. The slots may serve to provide at least some access forambient air to the bottom surface of the base of the computer while thestand is in the stowed position. In such a case, the stand may providesome possibility for cooling the computer even if it is not deployed. Asdiscussed above, the slots 26A and 26B may also help to further enhancethe cooling of the computer when the stand is in the deployed position.Alternatively, the lower edge of the stand member, wherein the stowedposition, may be linear, without any slots.

As shown in FIG. 1, the stand member includes a bottom surface thatengages at least portions of a surface that the computer is placed upon.The bottom surface may include elements to engage the surface supportingthe computer. For example, non-skid material could be applied to thebottom surface of the stand member. The slots may also form corners 27Bthat could engage a pliable surface to help maintain the computerstationary.

FIG. 6 provides a view of an embodiment of the stand member 14 separatedfrom the base. The embodiment of the computer base and stand shown inFIG. 6 also includes sensors 38 that will be discussed in greater detailbelow. As shown in FIG. 6, the stand member may have a generallyL-shaped cross section. The central portion of the stand includes atleast one opening for permitting ambient air access to the bottom of thecomputer base. However, the entire area of the opening 8 need not beopen.

The opening 8 shown in FIG. 6 may be surrounded by a lip 9. The lip mayengage a depression 30 formed in the outside surface of the base 16 bothin the stowed position and in the deployed position. By engaging thedepression, the lip may help to maintain the stand in place on the basein both the stowed and deployed positions.

The embodiment of the stand shown in FIG. 6 includes upwardly extendingfeet members 18, 20, 22, and 24 that, when in the deployed position mayeach engage a portion of a surface that the computer is supported by.Although the embodiment of the stand shown in FIG. 6 includes four legs,the stand need only include at least one leg so as to raise the bottomsurface of the base above a surface that the computer is supported bywhen the stand is in the deployed position.

For example, the stand member 14 could include only one leg arranged onthe rear edge of the stand. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment thatincludes a leg member 42 that extends along the entire length of therear edge of the stand in the deployed position. The embodiment shown inFIG. 4 includes larger slots than the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 to asto provide ambient air access to the bottom surface of the base that isprovided by the open space between the legs in the embodiment shown inFIG. 6.

Any of the legs could be replaced with a leg extending a substantialportion of the length of a side of the stand. Such embodimentspreferably would include enlarged slots provided in the extended leg asin the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 so as to recapture heat dissipationlost to the solid extensive leg.

The vertical length of the leg(s) may depend upon the amount of coolingthat is desired when the stand is in the deployed position.

In a deployed position, the embodiment of the stand shown in FIG. 2permits the portable personal computer 10 to rest on front legs 18 and20 and rear legs 22 and 24. In this embodiment, rear legs 22 and 24 arehigher than front legs 18 and 20. However, all of the legs could havethe same length or the front legs could be longer.

Having the rear legs longer may permit heated ambient air under thebottom surface of the computer base to escape from the rear of thecomputer base and draw cooler ambient air under the bottom surface ofthe base by way of the front of the base. With the stand in a deployedposition, if the difference in height between front legs 18 and 20 andrear legs 22 and 24 is about 15 mm approximately 1.5 to approximately 2additional watts of heat can be dissipated from the computer as comparedto if the stand is not used or not included in the computer design. Ifthe difference in height is about 30 mm, about 2.5 to about 3 additionalwatts can be dissipated.

As discussed above, the stand may include slots 26A and 26B to enhanceair movement and thus cooling. Additionally, the stand may include slots28A and 28B cut into the rear of the stand member.

With the stand in the stowed position as shown in FIG. 1, at least aportion of the stand may be received by a depression 30 provided in thebase 16 of the computer. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, thedepression sufficiently large so as to accommodate substantially theentire thickness of the stand member within the depression. Such adepression should have a depth and a thickness sufficient to receive thestand such that when in the stowed position, the outside surface of thestand is flush with the outside surface of the base of the computer. Asshown in FIG. 1, such a depression may also have a shape correspondingto the shape of the stand member. According to such an embodiment, thestand member may result in no increase in the outside dimensions of aportable personal computer. This may permit the most efficient space usewhen the stand is in its stowed position.

FIG. 7 provides a more complete external view of the embodiment of thedepression 30 shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the depression30 may extend along both the sides and the bottom surface of thecomputer base 16. The embodiment of the depression shown in FIG. 7mirrors the interior cross sectional shape of the stand member.

Accordingly, the embodiment of the depression shown in FIG. 7 includesportions 30B, 30C, 30D, and 30E for engaging the sides of the sides ofthe stand. Additionally, the embodiment of the depression shown in FIG.7 may also include stand member leg receiving portions 30F, 30G, and 30Ffor engaging the legs 18, 20, 22, and 24 of the stand member when thestand member is in the stowed position. However, as discussed herein,the depression need not mirror the shape of the stand around its entirelength.

FIG. 6 also illustrates an embodiment of how the interior surface of thebase may be altered by forming the depression in the base to accommodatethe stand. As shown in FIG. 6, the depression may result in theproduction of a protrusion 31 extending into the interior of the base16. Differently configured stands and/or depressions may result indifferent configured protrusions.

The depression may define a lip 30A on the bottom surface of the base16. The lip 30A may engage the stand both in the stowed position and inthe deployed position. Frictional forces between the surface of the basewithin the depression and the stand may help to maintain the stand inplace on the base 16 both in the stowed position and in the deployedposition.

According to other embodiments, the depression may not accommodate allof the stand. In fact, the computer base need not include any depressionas long as either the stand member of the computer base include meansfor retaining the stand member on the computer base. For example, inaddition to or in place of a depression in the base, the stand and/orthe base could include tabs and/or detents in corresponding positionsfor receiving the tabs. In the stowed position, the tabs and the detentscould engage each other to maintain the stand in place on the computerbase.

The stand and/or the base could also include other means for maintainingthe stand in place on the base. For example, at least one latch or strapcould be provided on the stand and/or the base. Means other than adepression for maintaining the stand in place on a portable personalcomputer may make it easier to retrofit exiting computers to include astand according to the present invention without the need for majorredesign of the computer and/or the internal arrangement of componentswithin the base.

FIG. 2 illustrates the embodiment of the portable personal computershown in FIG. 1. However, as described above, FIG. 2 illustrates thestand in a deployed position. FIG. 2 also provides a view of thedepression 30 exposed by the movement of the stand from the stowedposition shown in FIG. 1 to the deployed position shown in FIG. 2. Whenmoving the at least one stand member 14 from the stowed position to thedeployed position, it is removed from the computer base 16, turned overso that the bottom surface in the orientation shown in FIG. 1 facesupward.

FIG. 3 illustrates the embodiment of the stand and computer shown inFIG. 2 from the rear of the computer and the stand. Cooling slots 28Aand 28B are clearly visible in the view shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 shows a rear top perspective view of another embodiment of thestand member 40. As described above, the stand 40 includes a single rearleg or bar 42 instead of two distinct rear legs contacting a portion ofthe surface the computer rests on. An advantage of the embodiment of thestand 40 is that it may be more easily used when the computer is used ona person's lap. A disadvantage of this embodiment is that it may take upslightly more room as compared to an embodiment that includes twodiscrete rear legs.

Since not all tasks that a computer can carry out require maximumcooling, it is possible to operate the portable personal computerwithout deploying the stand. Thus, a portable personal computer thatincludes a stand according to the present invention may operate indifferent modes with different cooling capacities. In one mode, thestand is in a deployed position and the cooling enhanced. In anothermode, the stand is in a stowed position and the cooling capacity of thecomputer is reduced relative to when the stand is in a deployedposition.

In each of these modes, certain components of the computer may operate,while others may not. For example, when the stand is in a stowedposition, certain component of the computer may generate too much heatfor all components of the computer to optimally function. In fact, theheat may degrade or damage some components. Therefore, it is desirablenot to experience degrading performance or damage to components of thecomputer. For example, a CD-ROM drive may generate too much heat for theportable personal computer to handle with the stand in the stowedposition.

In view of the above, a portable personal computer may include aprovision for detecting whether or not the stand is deployed. By knowingwhether the stand is not in the deployed position, certain components ofthe computer may be prevented from functioning because heat generated bythe component would exceed the cooling capacity of the computer.

There are many ways to accomplish the task of detecting if the stand isin the stowed position or the deployed position and even if the stand iscorrectly deployed. FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment that includesswitches or sensors 36 and 38 in the computer base. The portablepersonal computer and/or the base may include at least one switch and/orat least one sensor. The switch may detect when the stand is in thestowed position and/or in the deployed position.

The computer base and/or the stand may also include at least onepassage. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 includes two passages 32 and 34.The passages may permit the computer to engage the switches to detectwhen the stand is in a deployed position as compared to a stowedposition. The passage(s) may also help to detect if the stand isproperly stowed and/or deployed.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the two passages 32 and 34 and theswitches 36 and 38 are asymmetrically provided on the stand and thebase, respectively. In the stowed position, the switches protrudethrough the passages such that the switches are not engaged. When stand14 is in the deployed position, the switches are engaged.

The function of detecting whether the stand is in a deployed or stowedposition can also be accomplished with one switch. Having two switchesmakes accidental misreadings less likely. Of course, one skilled in theart could determine different placement of switches and/or passages,number of switches and/or passages, types of switches, and otheralterations without undue experimentation once aware of the disclosurecontained herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates the placement of the switches in the embodiment shownin FIG. 5 from inside the base of the computer. FIG. 7 depicts thealignment of the base 16 and the stand member 14 and how the computerwould operate two asymmetrically arranged switches when the stand is inthe deployed position.

Using a detection system, for example as described above, can then allowa portable personal to operate in two different modes, one in whichgreater cooling is available than the other. According to oneembodiment, the computer keeps track of what components of the computerare running and their known heat production and dissipation. Thecomputer would allow a feature to run only if the power budget of thecomputer is not exceeded.

When stand 14 is in a deployed position, it is sensed by the computer.The computer in turn permits components to operate using the higherpower dissipation budget. When the stand is in a stowed position or notdeployed, a lower heat production and dissipation budget is used. Thelower heat production and dissipation budget may prevent certaincomponents of the computer to operate.

According to another embodiment, a portable personal computer couldincludes an active cooling device. One example of an active coolingdevice is a fan. A fan could provide additional cooling over and abovethe passive natural convection of the computer, whether or not the standis in a stowed or deployed position.

When the stand is detected in the deployed position and the computer isrunning, the active cooling device is turned off. The fan may also beoff if the stand is not deployed if the heat production and dissipationof the active components of the computer do not exceed a certain levelabove which the function and integrity of the components could becompromised. Furthermore, the fan could run with the stand in a deployedposition if the heat production and/or cooling capacity of the computerrequire it to operate. The fan may also operate with the stand in adeployed position so as to permit additional components of the computerto be operate.

Otherwise, the active cooling device may be turned off if the computeris running and/or the heat production and heat dissipation of theportable personal computer do not require it to be on.

According to another embodiment, a combination of fan operation andstand deployment are utilized, whereby the computer operates asdescribed above with two alternate power budgets. However, when acomponent of the computer is about to be supplied with power on and theheat budget of the computer would be exceeded, the active cooling devicemay be turned on. If the active cooling device is on and a componentwould exceed the power budget, the computer may not permit power to besupplied to the component. Of course, a message could be put on thescreen that would inform the operator of the condition and could giveinformation about alternatives such as shutting down another component.

A further embodiment relates to a portable personal computer includes atleast one temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of thecomputer. The at least one temperature sensor could be specificallydirected to sense a critical temperature of the computer. One example ofa critical temperature includes the processor temperature. The at leastone temperature sensor may be tied into the processor, just as theswitches described above can be. The processor could allow or disallowan additional feature or features to be turned on, depending upon thevalue of the sensed temperature. Again, this embodiment could include anactive cooling device.

The stand of the present invention may include more that one standmember. The stand may also be fixed to the base of the portable personalcomputer. For example, the stand member(s) could be hingedlyinterconnected with the base. According to one example, the standincludes at least one stand member hingedly connected to the base.Illustratively, the stand could include one leg member hingedlyconnected to the base of the computer such that the leg member extendsdownwardly away from at least a portion of the rear edge of the base.Similar to above, the stand member(s) could include slots to enhancecooling of the computer.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the legs are not part of aremovable stand. Rather, the embodiment of the present invention shownin FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 includes two stand members 44 and 46 hingedlyconnected to the computer base. Each stand member includes at least oneleg. Each leg may extend along a portion of the stand member. Accordingto one embodiment each leg may extend substantially the entire length ofeach stand member.

Each stand member 44 and 46 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9includes two leg members 44A and 44B and 46A and 46B, respectively. Thestand members shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are hingedly connected to theportable personal computer base 48. Stand member 46 is hingedlyconnected to the portable personal computer base at pivot points 54 and56. Stand member 44 is hingedly connected to the base at pivot points 50and 52.

According to still another embodiment, the stand members could extendand pivot along the front and rear edges of the base instead of the leftand right edges as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. Alternately, all fourlegs could pivot independently, each representing a stand member.

An embodiment that includes stand member(s) hingedly connected to thebase may also include at least one switch, passage, and/or sensor asdescribed above. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 includes twoswitches and/or sensors 58 and 60. These switches and/or sensors mayserve a similar purpose to switches and/or sensors 36 and 38 describedabove. Switches and/or sensors 58 and 60 could determine if how manystand members are deployed.

As can be seen in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the base may include at least onedepression for receiving the stand member(s). The embodiment shown inFIG. 8 and FIG. 9 includes two depressions, one for each stand member.The above discussion regarding the depression as well as any otheraspects of the stand applies here to hingedly connected stand members aswell.

The present invention also includes a portable personal computer thatincludes a stand as described above. The computer may include a baseincluding a bottom surface, a back side, a front side, a left side, aright side, and a bottom surface. A display may be hingedlyinterconnected with the base. The computer may also include at least onestand member interconnectable with the base. The at least one standmember may be positionable in a deployed position and a stowed position.In the deployed position the at least one stand member supports at leastone portion of the bottom surface of the base at an elevated level withrespect to a surface that the portable personal computer is supportedby. The at least one stand member engages at least a portion of thesurface of the base in the stowed position.

Additionally, the present invention includes a method for thermalmanagement in a portable personal computer including a base, a frontside, a back side, a right side, a left side, a bottom surface, and atleast one stand member interconnectable with the base. The at least onestand member is positionable in a deployed position and a stowedposition, wherein in the deployed position the at least one stand membersupports at least one portion of the bottom surface of the base at anelevated level with respect to a surface that the portable personalcomputer is supported by. The at least one stand member engages asurface of the base or is retracted within the computer in the stowedposition. The method includes detecting whether the at least one standmember is in a deployed or a stowed position or a temperature of theportable personal computer and activating selected components in thecomputer such that the heat output by the activated devices do notexceed the cooling capacity of the computer or a predetermined heatoutput.

The present invention may also be configured to be used with existingportable personal computers. Such embodiments may or may not engage thehousing, such as the base, of the computer. Such embodiments could havea similar shape to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5. However, ratherthan engaging a lip such as lip 30A that may be included on the bottomsurface of the base, the stand could include at least one stand memberthat includes at least one element that engages at least a portion ofthe bottom surface and/or at least one of the side surfaces of thecomputer. Such embodiments could still include at least one leg forsupporting at least a portion of the base of a computer elevated above asurface that supports the computer. Such embodiments could also stillinclude cooling slots.

One such embodiment could have an L-shaped cross section. However,unlike the embodiments described above, the L-shape could engage thecorners of the computer base and portions of the sides and bottomsurface of the computer adjacent the corners. The L-shaped portionand/or another L-shaped portion could also engage the computer in adeployed position.

In fact, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-12 could be substantiallysimilar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-7 but have a slightlyincreased inner dimension. That is, the distance between the legs andthe arms of the L-shape in a direction parallel to the major plane ofthe stand on the side of the legs and arms of the L-shape facing theopening 8 could be slightly increases. This increase in dimensionpermits the stand to be used with existing computers that do not includea depression.

Alternatively, the stand member could have a shape substantially similarto the shape shown in FIGS. 1-7. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 10,FIG. 11, and FIG. 12. The embodiment of the stand shown in FIGS. 10-12includes a single stand member 100 having an L-shape with an internaldimension larger than the base of the computer to enable the computer tofrictionally attach the computer in a stowed position.

The stand member 100 includes feet 102, 104, and 106. Additionally, thestand member includes cooling slots 108 and 110 that function asdescribed above.

An embodiment for use with existing computers could include some means,such as non-skid material, lips, tabs, straps, and/or any other meansfor maintaining the stand on the computer in a deployed position.

FIG. 11 illustrates the embodiment shown in FIG. 10. However, FIG. 11shows the stand detached from the computer. The lines shown in FIG. 11illustrate the positioning of the stand member relative to the computer.FIG. 12 illustrates the stand shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 in a deployedposition. In the deployed position, the stand could frictionally and/oradhesively engage the computer or could include structure for engagingthe computer. Other means may also be employed for maintaining thecomputer on the stand.

The foregoing description of the invention illustrates and describes thepresent invention. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes onlythe preferred embodiments of the invention, but as aforementioned, it isto be understood that the invention is capable of use in various othercombinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changesor modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressedherein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or the skill orknowledge of the relevant art. The embodiments described hereinabove arefurther intended to explain best modes known of practicing the inventionand to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention insuch, or other, embodiments and with the various modifications requiredby the particular applications or uses of the invention. Accordingly,the description is not intended to limit the invention to the formdisclosed herein. Also, it is intended that the appended claims beconstrued to include alternative embodiments.

We claim:
 1. A stand for a portable personal computer including a baseincluding a front side, a back side, a right side, a left side, and abottom surface, said stand comprising:at least one stand memberdetachable from and interconnectable with a base of a portable personalcomputer, said at least one stand member being positionable in adeployed position and a stowed position, wherein said stand member isdetached from the portable personal computer when moved between saiddeployed position and said stowed position, wherein in said deployedposition said at least one stand member supports at least one portion ofsaid bottom surface of said base at an elevated level with respect to asurface that the portable personal computer is supported by, said atleast one stand member engaging a surface of said base in said stowedposition.
 2. The portable personal computer stand according to claim 1,further comprising:at least one depression in said base for receivingsaid at least one stand member when said at least one stand member is insaid stowed position, said depression having a shape substantiallycorresponding to a shape of at least a portion of said at least onestand member.
 3. The portable personal computer stand according to claim2, wherein said at least one stand member receiving depression is on atleast one of said front side, said back side, said right side, said leftside, and said bottom surface of said base.
 4. The portable personalcomputer stand according to claim 1, wherein in said deployed positionsaid at least one stand member supports all of said bottom surface ofsaid base at an elevated level with respect to the surface that theportable personal computer is supported by.
 5. The portable personalcomputer stand according to claim 1, including one stand member having ashape substantially corresponding to a shape of a perimeter of saidbottom of said base.
 6. The portable personal computer stand accordingto claim 1, wherein said at least one stand member includes at least oneleg member, wherein in said deployed position said at least one legmember engages the surface that the portable personal computer issupported by.
 7. The portable personal computer stand according to claim1, wherein said at least one stand member includes four leg members,wherein in said deployed position said leg members engage the surfacethat the portable personal computer is supported by.
 8. The portablepersonal computer stand according to claim 1, wherein in a deployedposition said at least one stand member is oriented in an oppositedirection with respect to said base as compared to when said at leastone stand member is in a stowed position.
 9. The portable personalcomputer stand according to claim 1, wherein said at least one standmember includes at least one opening for increasing airflow under saidbase when said at least one stand member is in a deployed position. 10.The portable personal computer stand according to claim 1, wherein saidat least one stand member includes a plurality of openings forincreasing airflow under said base when said at least one stand memberis in a deployed position.
 11. The portable personal computer standaccording to claim 1, further comprising at least one opening betweensaid at least one stand member and said base when said at least onestand member is in a deployed position for increasing airflow under saidbase.
 12. The portable personal computer stand according to claim 1,further comprising a plurality of openings between said at least onestand member and said base when said at least one stand member is in adeployed position for increasing airflow under said base.
 13. Theportable personal computer stand according to claim 1, wherein saidbottom surface of said base includes a rim recessed from an edge of saidbottom surface, wherein said at least one stand member includes at leastone rim about an upper surface for engaging a side of said base and aninner lip for engaging said edge on said bottom surface when said atleast one stand member is in said stowed position, wherein said rim andsaid lip help to retain said at least one stand member on said base. 14.The portable personal computer stand according to claim 13, wherein in adeployed position said inner lip of said at least one stand memberengages said rim on said bottom of said base.
 15. The portable personalcomputer stand according to claim 1, wherein said at least one standmember has a shape substantially corresponding to the perimeter of saidportable personal computer base and an interior opening.
 16. Theportable personal computer stand according to claim 1, furthercomprising a leg member having a length substantially similar to alength of the rear side of said portable personal computer.
 17. Theportable personal computer stand according to claim 1, wherein said atleast one stand member has an L-shaped cross-section.
 18. The portablepersonal computer stand according to claim 1, wherein when moving saidat least one stand member between said deployed position and said stowedposition, at least one stand member is separated from said base.
 19. Aportable personal computer, comprising:a base including a bottomsurface, a back side, a front side, a left side, a right side, and abottom surface; a display hingedly interconnected with said base; and atleast one stand member detachable from and interconnectable with a baseof a portable personal computer, said at least one stand member beingpositionable in a deployed position and a stowed position, wherein saidstand member is detached from the portable personal computer when movedbetween said deployed position and said stowed position, wherein in saiddeployed position said at least one stand member supports at least oneportion of said bottom surface of said base at an elevated level withrespect to a surface that the portable personal computer is supportedby, said at least one stand member engaging a surface of said base insaid stowed position.
 20. The portable personal computer stand accordingto claim 19, further comprising at least one sensor for sensing whensaid at least one stand member is in a non-deployed position.
 21. Theportable personal computer according to claim 20, wherein said at leastone stand member receiving depression is on at least one of said frontside, said back side, said right side, said left side, and said bottomsurface of said base.
 22. The portable personal computer stand accordingto claim 19, further comprising at least one sensor for sensing whensaid at least one stand member is in a deployed position.
 23. Theportable personal computer according to claim 19, further comprising:atleast one depression in said base for receiving said at least one standmember when said at least one stand member is in said stowed position,said depression having a shape substantially corresponding to a shape ofat least a portion of said at least one stand member.
 24. The portablepersonal computer according to claim 19, including one stand memberhaving a shape substantially corresponding to a shape of a perimeter ofsaid bottom of said base.
 25. The portable personal computer accordingto claim 19, wherein in a deployed position said at least one standmember is oriented in an opposite direction with respect to said base ascompared to when said at least one stand member is in a stowed position.26. The portable personal computer according to claim 19, wherein saidat least one stand member includes at least one opening for increasingairflow under said base when said at least one stand member is in adeployed position.
 27. The portable personal computer according to claim19, further comprising at least one opening between said at least onestand member and said base when said at least one stand member is in adeployed position for increasing airflow under said base.
 28. Theportable personal computer according to claim 19, wherein said bottomsurface of said base includes a rim recessed from an edge of said bottomsurface, wherein said at least one stand member includes at least onerim about an upper surface for engaging a side of said base and an innerlip for engaging said edge on said bottom surface when said at least onestand member is in said stowed position, wherein said rim and said liphelp to retain said at least one stand member on said base.
 29. Theportable personal computer according to claim 28, wherein in a deployedposition said inner lip of said at least one stand member engages saidrim on said bottom of said base.
 30. The portable personal computeraccording to claim 19, wherein said at least one stand member has ashape substantially corresponding to the perimeter of said portablepersonal computer base and an interior opening.
 31. The portablepersonal computer according to claim 19, wherein when moving said atleast one stand member between said deployed position and said stowedposition, at least one stand member is separated from said base.
 32. Astand for a portable personal computer including a base including afront side, a back side, a right side, a left side, and a bottomsurface, the stand comprising:two stand members hingedly connected tothe base and positionable in a deployed position and a stowed position,wherein in the deployed position one stand member extends downwardlyfrom each of the right side and the left side of the base to support thebottom surface of the base at an elevated position with respect to asupporting surface that the computer is placed on, and in the stowedposition the stand members engage surfaces of the base in the stowedposition.
 33. The stand according to claim 32, wherein the two standmembers are each hingedly connected to the back side and the front sideof the base.
 34. A portable personal computer, comprising:a baseincluding a bottom surface, a back side, a front side, a left side, aright side, and a bottom surface; a display hingedly interconnected withsaid base; and two stand members hingedly connected to the base andpositionable in a deployed position and a stowed position, wherein inthe deployed position one stand member extends downwardly from each ofthe right side and the left side of the base to support the bottomsurface of the base at an elevated position with respect to a supportingsurface that the computer is placed on, and in the stowed position thestand members engage surfaces of the base in the stowed position. 35.The portable personal computer according to claim 34, wherein the twostand members are each hingedly connected to the back side and the frontside of the base.